Embracing New Beginnings Through Prayer and Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we embraced the promise of new beginnings, as God is doing a new thing in our lives and in our church. We were reminded of the importance of perceiving and receiving these new things with faith and gratitude. As we delved into Isaiah 43:18-19, we were encouraged to forget the former things and not dwell on the past, but to see the new paths God is creating for us. This message of renewal extends to every aspect of our lives—spiritual, relational, professional, and emotional. We are called to align ourselves with God's word and to declare His promises over our lives, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill them.
We also explored the significance of prayer as a vital component of our spiritual journey. Prayer is not merely a tool for requesting our needs but a declaration of our total dependence on God. It is a means of staying connected to our divine power source, ensuring that every area of our lives is powered by His grace. Jesus exemplified this dependence through His own prayer life, demonstrating that even with His divine resources, He sought communion with the Father. We are encouraged to adopt a similar posture, recognizing that without God, we are incomplete.
Prayer is also a beckoning for heaven's intervention in our earthly situations. It is through prayer that we invite God into our circumstances, allowing His power to transform what seems impossible. We were reminded that prayer is not a monologue but a dialogue, an opportunity to listen and receive guidance from God. As we prioritize prayer, we are called to plan for it, to make it a daily practice, and to engage in various forms of prayer, including intercession, worship, and inquiry.
As we move forward, let us commit to a life of prayer, seeking not just God's hand but His heart. Let us be vessels ready to receive the new wine He is pouring into us, and may our lives be transformed as we draw closer to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace New Beginnings: God is doing a new thing in our lives, and we must perceive and receive it with faith. This requires letting go of the past and embracing the new paths He is creating for us. Trust in His promises and declare them over every area of your life. [24:50]
2. Prayer as Dependence on God: Prayer is our declaration of total dependence on God, not just a means to meet our needs. It is a vital connection to our divine power source, ensuring that every aspect of our lives is powered by His grace. [34:22]
3. Invite God into Your Situations: Prayer is earth's beckoning for heaven's intervention. By inviting God into our circumstances, we allow His power to transform what seems impossible. Remember, God does not interfere where He is not invited. [47:45]
4. Prayer as Dialogue: Prayer is not a monologue but a dialogue with God. It is an opportunity to listen and receive guidance. Ensure that your prayers are aligned with God's word, and be open to His voice and direction. [01:01:06]
5. Prioritize and Plan for Prayer: Make prayer a daily practice by planning for it. Set aside specific times and places for prayer, and engage in various forms of prayer, including intercession, worship, and inquiry. This intentionality will deepen your relationship with God. [01:06:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:11] - Acknowledging God's Presence
- [24:50] - Embracing New Beginnings
- [25:38] - Declaring New Things
- [26:31] - Trusting God's Promises
- [28:54] - The Power of God's Word
- [30:49] - The Lord's Prayer
- [32:21] - The Importance of Forgiveness
- [34:22] - Prayer as Dependence on God
- [36:35] - Jesus' Example of Prayer
- [38:47] - The Misunderstanding of Prayer
- [42:49] - The Enemy's Deception
- [44:29] - Prayer as Communication
- [47:45] - Inviting God into Situations
- [49:16] - Prayer as a Family Talk
- [51:46] - The Delight of Prayer
- [53:04] - Praying Continually
- [54:58] - The Prayer of Intercession
- [56:44] - Praying for Others
- [59:02] - Seeking God's Direction
- [01:00:32] - The Prayer of Consecration
- [01:01:06] - Prayer as Dialogue
- [01:02:23] - Building Intimacy with God
- [01:06:34] - Planning for Prayer
- [01:09:36] - Starting with Thanksgiving
- [01:10:47] - Placing God's Agenda First
- [01:11:42] - Making Requests Known
- [01:12:39] - Corporate Prayer Invitation
- [01:19:15] - Becoming a New Vessel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:18-19
- Matthew 6:5-15
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what specific instructions does God give about the past and the new things He is doing?
2. According to Matthew 6:5-15, what are some key elements of the prayer that Jesus teaches?
3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in our lives, particularly in terms of dependence on God? [34:22]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of prayer as a dialogue rather than a monologue? [01:01:06]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might it mean to "forget the former things" in the context of one's spiritual journey, as mentioned in Isaiah 43:18-19?
2. How does the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 serve as a model for aligning our prayers with God's will?
3. The sermon emphasizes prayer as a declaration of total dependence on God. How does this perspective challenge common misconceptions about prayer? [34:22]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer can transform seemingly impossible situations? [47:45]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a past experience that you need to let go of to embrace the new things God is doing in your life. How can you actively work on this? [24:50]
2. How can you incorporate the elements of the Lord's Prayer into your daily prayer routine to ensure it aligns with God's will?
3. Identify an area of your life where you struggle to depend on God fully. What steps can you take to declare your dependence on Him through prayer? [34:22]
4. Think of a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you invite God into this situation through prayer and trust in His transformative power? [47:45]
5. How can you make prayer a dialogue in your life, ensuring you take time to listen to God's guidance? [01:01:06]
6. What practical steps can you take to prioritize and plan for prayer in your daily schedule? Consider setting specific times and places for prayer. [01:06:34]
7. Choose one form of prayer (intercession, worship, inquiry) to focus on this week. How will you incorporate it into your prayer life? [01:09:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's New Paths
In life, God often presents us with new beginnings, urging us to perceive and embrace them with faith and gratitude. This requires a conscious effort to let go of past experiences and focus on the new paths He is creating for us. By trusting in His promises and declaring them over every aspect of our lives—spiritual, relational, professional, and emotional—we align ourselves with His divine plan. As we journey through these new beginnings, we are reminded of the importance of perceiving and receiving these changes with an open heart, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. [24:50]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace a new beginning? How can you actively let go of the past to make room for this new path?
Day 2: Total Dependence Through Prayer
Prayer is more than a tool for requesting our needs; it is a declaration of our total dependence on God. It serves as a vital connection to our divine power source, ensuring that every aspect of our lives is powered by His grace. Jesus exemplified this dependence through His own prayer life, demonstrating that even with His divine resources, He sought communion with the Father. By adopting a similar posture, we recognize that without God, we are incomplete. Prayer is an invitation to align our hearts with His will, trusting that He will guide us in every situation. [34:22]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your dependence on God through prayer today? Consider setting aside a specific time to pour out your heart to Him.
Day 3: Inviting Divine Intervention
Prayer is earth's beckoning for heaven's intervention. By inviting God into our circumstances, we allow His power to transform what seems impossible. It is important to remember that God does not interfere where He is not invited. Through prayer, we open the door for His divine presence to work in our lives, bringing about change and transformation. This act of inviting God into our situations is a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and our need for His guidance and strength. [47:45]
2 Chronicles 20:12 (ESV): "O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you invite God into this situation today, trusting Him to bring about transformation?
Day 4: Engaging in a Prayerful Dialogue
Prayer is not a monologue but a dialogue with God. It is an opportunity to listen and receive guidance, ensuring that our prayers are aligned with His word. By being open to His voice and direction, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. This dialogue requires intentionality, as we set aside time to not only speak but also to listen. As we engage in this two-way communication, we are reminded of the importance of being receptive to His guidance and allowing His word to shape our prayers and actions. [01:01:06]
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Reflection: How can you create space in your prayer time to listen for God's voice? What steps can you take to ensure your prayers are a dialogue rather than a monologue?
Day 5: Intentionality in Prayer
To deepen our relationship with God, it is essential to prioritize and plan for prayer. By making prayer a daily practice, we set aside specific times and places to engage in various forms of prayer, including intercession, worship, and inquiry. This intentionality allows us to connect with God on a deeper level, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His will. As we commit to a life of prayer, we seek not just God's hand but His heart, becoming vessels ready to receive the new wine He is pouring into us. [01:06:34]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to prioritize prayer in your daily routine? Consider setting a specific time and place for prayer each day.
Quotes
God says to see, he is doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. If you believe that this morning, would you lift up your voice and begin to declare that concern in yourself. That in the name of Jesus, God is doing a new thing in my life. In my spiritual life, God is doing a new thing. [00:25:07]
Yes, I'm excited about God's word because God's word is God's agency for change and for transformation. So if you want change in your life, you want transformation, it's not going to happen any other way. It's going to happen from God's word. It's going to happen through God's word. And that's why we should be excited about God's word. That's why we should come to church expecting to hear God's word. [00:28:54]
And the first thing I want us to know is that prayer is our declaration of our total dependence on God. Can you say that with me this morning? Say prayer is my declaration of my total dependence. On God. You know, a research was done and they discovered that the reason why more people pray in the developing nations or countries, more than people pray in the developed countries or nations, is because in the developed country or nation, the economy is so good, everything is sorted out. [00:34:22]
Because prayer is not just a means to get my needs met. Prayer is not just a means to receive from God. No. Prayer is a way that I show, and I declare my total dependence on God. Because without God, you are sunk. Without God, you're done with, regardless of how much you have in a bank account, no matter how much plans you've already, already put in place, and how secure you think your life is. [00:37:56]
So that's why we need to pray. Not because there's a need necessarily, but because we need to remain connected to him, vitally connected, and prayer is that vital link with which we get connected to God. Somebody say amen. You see, I love what someone said. They said, you didn't wake up because you had an alarm. No. It was not your alarm that woke you up. It was God that made it possible. [00:38:50]
Prayer is Ed's beckoning for Evan's reckoning. Reckoning. Prayer is Ed's beckoning for Evan's reckoning. The reason why it seems like God has not intervened in some situation and in some things you're going through. Because you've not told him about it. And God does not step into a situation he has not been invited into. I'm telling you the truth. The Bible says you have not because you ask not. [00:46:48]
The reason why that situation has been there for 10 years. For 20 years. For 15 years. Because you've never introduced God to it. Never spoken to God about it. But I thought God was all knowing. Yes, he's all knowing. But he doesn't interfere and meddle in things he's not been called into. So, the reason why things remain the same in our life. Because we've... There's not been prayer. [00:47:24]
So we see very clearly that prayer is a family talk between a child of God and Father God. So that's a very important foundation we must have in our hearts if we're going to find it easy to pray. And if we're going to make the most of our prayer. Prayer is between a child of God and their Father who is in heaven. So it is vital for us to pray with the understanding that God is not just our Lord and God, but he is also our loving and caring Father. [00:49:31]
And also when God speaks to you, he's going to make sure, you have to make sure that what you heard is not from your mind. Or from the devil. And the way you do that is by placing it on the litmus test of God's word. God will never tell you something that is contrary to his word. So when we understand that prayer is not just for requests, but to commune with God, spend time with him, to know him more, know him better, pray for other people. [01:02:23]
A lot of us will begin to pray more fervently when we realize that prayer is not merely about asking for provision, but also about building intimacy with God. When we realize that it's about interceding for others, seeking direction, and aligning ourselves with God's will. I don't know who your favorite character is. Or movie star, or public figure. Imagine you having a direct contact and access to them, to be able to speak with them every day for an unlimited number of hours. [01:02:50]
I just want to let us know that it's important to pray, but I want to show us how to pray. And the first thing is you must make plans to pray. Oh, tell the other neighbor, say make plans to pray. Because failing to plan, you know what is what? Planning to fail. The reason why you've not been praying is because you never planned to pray. [01:06:34]
And if you want to be effective in your planning to pray, it's good to have a prayer place. Have a prayer time. Don't just leave it to chance. It can't be random. Have a prayer place. Have a prayer time. And also, have a prayer buddy or buddies. People that can hold you accountable. People that you can meet maybe once a week to talk about your prayer life. [01:07:37]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 12, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?